| 391 many rooms generally of a square form, without windows, and the lower rooms are so dark and gloomy that they resemble caverns rather than apartments of an edifice built for a human habitation.-Our informant did not give the style of architecture, but he believes it could not be erected by Spaniards or Europeans, as the stones are much worn by the rains, and indicate that the building has stood several hundred years. From his description we are induced to believe that it resembled the ruins of Palenque or Otulun. He says there are many similar ruins on the Colorado of the west, which empties into the California sea. In one of the valleys of the Cordileras traversed by this river, and about four hundred miles from its mouth, there is a large temple still standing, its walls and spires presenting scarcely any trace of dilapidation, and were it not for the want of a roof it might still be rendered habitable. Near it, scattered along the declivity of a mountain, are the ruins of what must have been once a large city. The traces of a large aqueduct, part of which is however in the solid rock, are still visible. Neither the Indians residing in the vicinity, nor the oldest Spanish settlers of the nearest settlements, can give any account of the origin of these buildings. They merely know that they have stood there from the earliest periods to which their traditions extend. The antiquarian who is desirous to trace the Aztec or Toltec races in their migrations from the northern regions of America, may find in these ancient edifices many subjects of curious speculation.
PHENOMENA.-The brig Foster, from Bath, (Me.) on her passage to Key West, reports that on the 21st Nov. during a gale at sea, "A huge ball resembling fire, about the size of a hogshead, from the deck, and burst with a report like that of a heavy clap of thunder, followed by a sharp flash of lightening, stunning nearly all on board. It was indeed an "awfully beautiful" sight-the emenating [emanating] sparks illuminating the air for several minutes after the explosion."
"Wonderful Cave in Iowa.-In the lead district, within a few miles of the town of DuBuque, is a cave lately discovered, which abounds in inexhaustible quantities of rich lead ore. Some of the apartments are beautiful, ful [full] of spar and other formations. In one section, the caverns extend to an unknown distance; it has been traveled three miles without any sign of its termination, or without the sight of walls on either side.-Compared to this the Mammoth Cave of Kentucky, and other subterranean wonders dwindle into littleness. The American continent, when fully explored, will will be found to contain the most magnificent natural curiosities in the world."
Accounts from Java of the 6th of June, state that an earthquake had occurred at Nias, which destroyed a great many houses, and that numbers of the inhabitants were buried in the ruins.
Nearly all the barracks in Ireland are in a state of military defence [defense]. This looks as if the British Government was preparing for the worst.
"Millerism.-Reuben H. Brown publishes in the Portland American an appeal to the people called "Millerites," that he has given away all his money to various brethren and in aid of the cause under the impression that the world was to come to an end on the 14th of April. His wife told him better, but he would not listen to her, and some of the Millerites told him he was crazy, but took his money. Now he says he finds that although the world has by no means come to an end, his money has. He wants them to refund, but they place their fingers on their noses and tell him he "can't come it." Well; served him right."
TIMES AND SEASONS.
CITY OF NAUVOO,
Monnday,(Monday) January 1, 1844.
EDITORIAL ADDRESS
We now present ourselves before our readers in a new volume at the commencement of another year. Forty-four has come rolling upon us with all its responsibilities, leaving the events that have transpired in the by-gone year to mingle with those before the flood; and we are now ushered forth with the rapidity of the whirling spheres, into the cumbrous, the uncertain, the unknown future. In resuming our onerous duties, of an editorial nature, we commence by wishing our readers a happy new year.
In reflecting upon the past, we have many pleasing recollections. We have witnessed the work of God rolling forth with unprecedented rapidity, and the potency of truth, has been felt and realized throughout the length and breadth of this continent, on the continent of Europe, and among the distant nations of the earth.
The little stone hewn out of the mountain without hands, has commenced its progress, and
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